Community-Managed Irrigated Agricultural Sector Project ... · 1. The Community-Managed Irrigated Agricultural Sector Project is designed to improve the agricultural productivity

Initial Environmental Examination Report Project Number: 33209-01 June 2009

Nepal: Community -Managed Irrigated Agricultural Sector Project Shikhar Kateri Irrigation Subproject, Kavre District Project Proponent: Department of Irrigation Prepared by Central Irrigation Development Division No. 7 (Kavrepalanchowk) This Initial Environmental Examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB - Asian Development Bank CMIASP - Community-Managed Irrigated Agricultural Sector Project CPMO - Center Project Management Office DADO - District Agriculture Development Office DB - Design Branch DDC - District Development Committee DOI - Department of Irrigation EB - Environment Branch EMP - Environmental Monitoring Plan FMIS - Farmer-managed irrigation systems ha - Hector IDD - Irrigation Development Division IDSD - Irrigation Development Sub-division IEE - Initial Environmental Examination IPM - Integrated Pest Management ISPM - Institutional Strengthening and Project Management km - Kilo Meter lps - Liter Per Second MEQCB - Monitoring, Evaluation, and Quality Control Branch MoEST - Ministry of Environment of Science and Technology NGO - Non Governmental Organization O&M - Operation and Maintenance PDMED - Planning, Design, Monitoring and Evaluation Division RCC - Reinforce Concrete Cement Rs. - Rupees SISP - Second Irrigation Sector Project SWD - Surface Water Division VDC - Village Development Committee VRB - Village Road Bridge WECS - Water Energy Commission Secretariat WUA - Water User’s Association ZoI - Zone of Influence

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

ha - hectare km - kilometer l - liter m - meter mo - month s - second t - ton yr - year

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS

(as of 31 March 2009)

Currency Unit - Nepalese Nupee (NR)

NR 1.00 = $0.01226 $1.00 = NRs 81.54

NOTE

In this report, “$” refers to US Dollars.

GLOSSARY

Terai The southernmost strip of land in Nep al, bordered to the north b y

Himalayan foothills and to the south by the Ganges River. The area was originally covered wit h tropical vegetation, but has been almost completely converted to agricultur al product ion. The Terai is now th e breadbasket of Nepal and is covered with farms.˜

Command Area It is the agriculture or cultivable area which receives assured irrigation through canals, waters, courses, and field channels up to farmers field.

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION 1 II. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBPROJECT 2 III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 2

Physical Environment 2 Socio-economic Environment 3

IV. SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 5 V. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURES 9

Environmental Problems due to Subproject Location 9 Environmental Problem Related to Project Design 9 Environmental Problems Related to Construction Stage: 10 Environmental Problems Resulting from Subproject Operations 12 Realization of Enhancement Potentials 13

VI. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 14 VII. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 15 VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 17 IX. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE 22 X. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 23 XI. CONCLUSION 24 Annex 1: Details of Proposed Intervention in the Subproject 25

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I. INTRODUCTION

1. The Community-Manag ed Irrigated Agricultural Sector Pro ject is designed to improve the agricult ural product ivity and su stainability of farmer-managed irrigation systems (FMI Ss) while strengthening the policies, investment plans, and institutio ns f or irrigated agriculture , following the lessons learned during the Loa n 1437-NEP: Second Irrigation Sector Project (SISP). The Project will be located in the Easter n and Central regions o f Nepal and comprises two parts: (i) participa tory irrigated agricultur e development for FMIS; and (ii) institutional strengthening and proj ect management (ISPM). Under the first pa rt, 210 FMIS will be rehabilitated, resulti ng i n improvements in i rrigated agriculture over 34,000 he ctares (ha ) benefiting a bout 270,000 people. The second component comprises t he development an d implementation of improved institutional mechani sms for FMIS de velopment, further improved policies and regulations, strengthening of the key stakeholders agencies and their linkages.

2. An initial environmenta l examinati on (I EE) was undertaken for the core subproject s based on data collected during the Detailed Design Period. The overall objective of the IEE is to analyze the adverse environmental impacts arising from site selection, design, construction, and operation of the Project can be mitigated to acceptable levels through implementation of a set of clearly defined and cost ed mitigation measures which have been inclu ded in the Project cost estimates. For each additional su bproject, an IEE, and an environmental impact assessmen t (EIA) if warranted, will be carried out in accor dance with the Bank's guidelines a nd relevant government's environmental requir ements during the pr eparation o f subproject feasibility studies.

3. This Initial Environmental Exa mination (IEE) Report for t he Shikhar Kateri Irrigation Subproject has been pr epared to meet the Asia n Development Bank’s ( ADB) requirements for environmental assessment process and documentat ion prior to Subproject approval, followin g the procedu res in ADB’s Environmental Asse ssment Guidelines (2 003), and th e Project’s Environmental Assessment and Review Procedures and Arrangements.

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II. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBPROJECT

4. The Sikharkateri subpro ject is an e xisting FMIS. The hist ory of this sub-project is not very old. This Sikharkateri Irrigation scheme was initially constructed in 2057 BS by the farmers’ with their o wn efforts b y mobilizing labor part icipation. After that the sub-project existed as the farmer managed irrigation scheme. The farmers are diverting water into canal by constructing a diversion in the river of local bushe s, boulders a nd polythene bags filled with sand every year which is being washed out in every flood season. The farmers have dug the irrigation canal with their own effort and operating with their own efforts by exp ending about 100 Rs per month for operation of the canal depending on the land holding size of the u sers. The int ake require d frequent repairs during the every monsoon season for which the farmers contributed in terms of kind and ca sh. For operation they h ave recruited a Chaukidar (Watchman). The sub project is an existing FMIS constructed and managed by local farmers. The Subproject has been selected as a candidate for development and preparation of a feasibility study. The subproject has been prioritized a nd selected from amo ng other subpr ojects in the district on the basis of th e principles and criteria set forth by t he CMIASP Project Administration Memorandu m of ADB. The proposed intervention in the system is ba sed on gen uine demand from the majority of farmer beneficiaries who have agre ed to organize themselves into a W ater Users’ Associatio n abiding by the terms and conditions stipulated under the Irrigation Policy.

5. Irrigation w ater for th e whole co mmand are a has now being supplied from the temporary i ntake site, The water is shortage at the tail o f the command area as the existin g conveyance capacity of the main canal is limit ed. To imp rove the wa ter availability and the reliability of the irrigati on water supply the farmers have requested assistan ce for the implementation of the following improvements:

• River course stabilization and construction of a permanent intake structure at the original diversion site of the system.

• Improvement of the conveyance capacity of the main canal. • Erosion con trol measures especially in t he main canal, w hich traverses the Karkip ati

village. • Permanent canal flow control and outlet structur es as well as road crossings and cr oss

drainage structures.

The subproject is located in the Raviopi VDC of Kabhreplanchok VDC district in Bagmati zone in the Central Development Region. 6. After the system improvemen t, the system will provide reliable, timely and suffici ent irrigation water supply to irrigate the land around Karkipati village. The g ross command area is 110 ha and the net command are a 100 ha. All the command are a is presen tly irrigated, although there is shortage of irrigation water in the tail area.

7. Project Location. The subproje ct is lo cated in the Raviopi VDC of Kavrepalanchok District in Bagmati zone in the Central Development Region. The subp roject is located between the latitude and longitude of 270 38’ 51”N to 270 39’ 11”N and 850 33’ 08”E to 850 35’ 05”E respectively. The elevation of the area is about 1110 - 1100 m above MSL. Its location is shown in presented in Figure 1.

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8. Accessibility: The proje ct area is e asily accessible through a gravel motorable road, 6 km North - East from Banepa, which is 30 km East from Kathmandu. Most of the main canal reach and the branch canals ca n be approached through the existing village trail track. Headwork site is 3.5 Km North West from the Karkipati. The nearest market is at Banepa.

Project Components 9. Intake Structures: The head-works also consists of a canal head regu lator located on the right side. The hea d regulator will have on ly one span with 0.4 m wide manually operated steel gate. The design discharge of intake is 0.14 m3/s.

10. Canals: The total lengt h of the ma in canal is 3.9 km whe reas idle le ngth is 0.75 km. There are 4 Branch ca nals off-ta king from the main canal . The main canal will have to b e reconstructed over its fu ll length. Reshaping is required to create a uniform cross section. The canal has been desig ned by Mannings equ ation. The main canal discharge capacity is 0.14 m3/s. The bed width of the mai n canal is 0. 40 m with free board 0.15 m. The canal slope varies from 0.002 to 0.0007. Side slope of the c anal is 1:1. The rugosity coefficient used in the canal design is 0.015 in concrete rectangular lin ed stretches while 0.026 in earthen t rapezoidal sections. A layout map of the project area is presented in Figure 2.

11. Field channels: the top width of the FC 30 cm and bed width 30 cm ; bank heig ht 30 cm and side slope 1:1 have been provided. The FC is provided 2 km length in whole comman d area.

12 Canal Structures: The main can al is lined f rom ch 0+000 to 0+30 0 in the head reaches an d at other stretches wh ere there is enormous seep age as shown in canal desig n sheet. The different hydraulic structures propo sed in the main canal are presented in Table 1 and can be summarized as follows:

• Head regulator at the intake • Aqueducts to cross the drainage • Foot slabs • Super passages to cross the drainages • Outlet s • Canal Protection structures

Table 1: Proposed Canal Structures

Name of the Canal Headworks Unit Outlet Foot

slab Humepipe

Culvert Superpassage Aqueduct Branch

Canal with Division

Box

Retaining wall Total

Main Canal 0+000 0+900,1+200 1+800,2+340

3+300,3+350, 3+475,3+550, 3+700,3+800

2+200, 2+450, 2+500, 2+625, 2+950, 3+025, 3+600

3+900 0+220, 0+300, 0+600, 0+910 1+020, 1+070, 1+390, 1+750,

2+000, , 2+350, 2+525, 2+575,

1+470, 1+625, 3+380 3+500

2+600 2+800 2+875 3+500

14 53

T Total 1 10 7 1 12 4 4 14 53

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13. On-farm Facilities: Th e command area is well served by the main ca nal outlets and field channels. Most farmers are within easy re ach of main canal and overland flow for water distribution is usual du ring the monsoon sea son. During the dry s eason, some farmers’ channels are prepared to carry wat er directly to the fields. Pro vision has been made for field channels o f total len gth 2km and includ ed as par t of the farmer's contribution.

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Figure 1 Location Map of the Subproject Area

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Figure 2: A Layout Map of the Sub project

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Table 1.2: Salient Features of the Shikhar Kateri Irrigation Subproject (i) Name of Subproject Sikharkateri Irrigation Subproject (ii) Subproje ct Classification Rehabilitation (iii) Location (VDC and Ward No) Ward No.-1 2 & 5 Raviopi VDC

1. Dist rict Kavrepalanchok 2. Distri ct Headquarter Banepa 3. Zone Bagmati 4. Develo pment Region Central 5. Number of Households 92 6. General Elevation of the Subproject Area 1500 m 7. Slope and Topography of the Subproject Area gently sloping to undulating (1 to 5% slope) 8. Population 650 9. Total Canal Length

a) Main Canal 3.9 km b) Branch Canal 4 numbers

10. Gross Command Area 110 ha 11. Net Command Area Existing command area Extension area

100 ha 70 ha 30 ha

12. Cropping Intensity 170% (present) & 213% (future) 13. Name Of Water Source Chahare Khola 14. Type Of Water Source Perennial 15. Catchment Area 4.2 km2 in Hydrological Region-3 16. Canal Type Earthen & RCC Lined canal 17. Canal Discharge 0.14 m3/s. 18. Side Slope 1:0 (Lined Canal), 1:1 (Earthen Canal) 19. Bed Slope Shown in the L-Section 20. Diversion Structure Single orifice with core wall 21. Proposed Subproject Interventions

- Head Works 1

- Aqueduct 4

- Super passage 12

- Foot slab 7

- Hume Pipe culvert 1

- Division boxes 4 - Out lets 10

22. Number of people directly involved during construction (estimate)

50

23. Construction/Rehabilitation Period (months) 9 Notes: VDC = V illage Development Committee ; msl = meters a bove sea level; km = kilometers; ha = hect ares; km2= square kilometers; RCC = reinforced concrete cement; VRB = Village Road Bridge

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III. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Physical Environment

12. Topography. The scheme is locate d in the h ill traces in an agricultura l area with l and that slopes gently from north to s outh at an elevation of 1500 - 15 10 m above msl. Th e Sikharkateri Irrigation subproject lies on the rig ht bank of t he Chhahare Khola. T he existing main canal is aligned al ong hill trace crossing t he command area and irrigate to one side. The canals are earthen canals with enormous seepage loss so needs lining.

13. Climate. The project area has three distinct se asons, spring, monsoon, and winter. The climate of the subproject area is mai nly sub-tropical and humid. It has hot and humid climat e during summer and moderately high rainfall d uring the monsoon. T here is a meteorologica l station in th e project area itself, at Panchkhal is used as reference, which is in pr oject area itself. The recorded data of precipitation, maximum and minimum air t emperature, wind speed, relative humidity of Panchkhal and e vapo-transpiration of Kathmandu is used for the analysis of crop water requirement. About 80% of the precipitation occurs in monsoon season from July to September and the sou rce river ha s abundant water at this time, while the area f aces water shortage in spring and winter seasonl. Howe ver, the river does not dry up co mpletely since its long stretch is fed by p erennial spr ings. Follo wing are some importa nt hydro-me teorological observations:

• Mean annual rainfall – varies from 3.43 mm minimum in Nov to 313 mm maximum in July • Temperatures: Mean monthly maximum: - varies from 21.04oC in January to 32.41 oC in Jun Mean monthly minimum: - varies from 4.28oC in January to 22.4 oC in July • Relative humidity: - varies from 94.57% in December to 74.85% in April • Evaporation: Minimum: - 1.8 mm Maximum: - 5.51 mm in May 14. Soils. The soil texture of the command area is found to be loam at middle reach and clay loam at the tail end of the command area. The soil reaction is acidic in nature with pH value of 4.8 and 5.25 at the middle and tail end respectively. The n utrient content of the soil is low t o medium with respect to Nitrogen (0.09 - 0.14 %), and Organic Matter (1.89 - 2. 66 %), while phosphorus and potassium is medium to high with 39 .51 - 136.3 4 Kg/ha and 158.4 - 336.0?kg/ha respectively at the mid dle reach and the tail e nd of the command are a. The soil is suitable for irrigated agr iculture. Th e will be brought to required nutri ent level with optimu m application of organic and chemical fertilizer. The soil is acidic at the head reach of the command area. The acidic soil is de trimental for crop plants. Therefore, the soil is to be treated with lime to bring it to the optimum condition and need to be periodical monitoring. The soil type in the head reach is sandy loam and clay loam and soil in the tail reach of the command area is clay loam, sandy clay loam and loam. The command are a is Tar type land (Type 10). Land system and irrigation suitability of the comma nd area is characterize d by II/AU/2 nd. Class II indicates that lands are gently slopping (1-50). A indicates that the temperature regimes are sub tropical; U i ndicates tha t the moistu re range is sub humid. Irrigation su itability cla ss 2 is f or diversified crops with soil and topographic def iciency Land Utilizat ion Map Characteristics the

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command a rea by (Fr). F Stands for Tars, alluvial fans and lower footsteps, r stands for dominant cropping pattern Maize-Rice in monsoon and winter crops

15. Water Resources: Chhahare Kh ola the so urce of irrigation water, is a rain fed perennial source. It originates from the community forest about 2.5 km north from the headwork site in the hill. The catchments area at the proposed i ntake is ab out only 2.5 km 2. The watershed of the river is mostly cove red with forest & cultivated land. Soil texture slightly varies from gravel boulder & light to heavy silt moving across the command area from west to the east. Due to highly rechargeable Mahabharat zone lying to the west of the intake, there are a lot o f spring sources which are adding discharge source of Chhahare Khola. The measured discharge in the river was 286 lps om January 2, 2008.

Ecological Resources

16. Vegetation and Forest. There is no national forest or communit y f orest within the project command area. There are a number of trees of different specie s of timber, fodder, fuel wood and fruits within the project command area and homesteads but they are not going to be affected by the project activities.

17. Wildlife. As reported b y the local people, there are no wil dlife habitats as such in the project area and its vicinity.

18. Aquatic life. Fish species like common carp, b am etc are found in th e river especially during rainy season. But the local people are found not to be involved in fishing activities as the occurrence is very low and the individual of the fish is also small.

Socio-economic Environment

19. The Shikhar Kateri ISP covers area of ward no .1, 2 and 5 of Rabi Opi VDC of Ka vre District. The total number of households with some land holding in the project area is 92 and the population is estim ated at 650. The avera ge family size of the households in the project area is 4.89.

20. Ethnically, t he Brahma n occupie s majority of the population with 70 %, followed by Chhetry (13.3 %), Newar (6.67 %), Dalits 6.67 % and Jan ajati 3.33. Brahman, and Dalits are in majority at the head reach, Bra hman, Chet ri and Dalits in the mid dle reach and Brahma n, Newar, and Chetri in the tail end of the sub project area.

21. The main o ccupation of people in the area is f arming. Th e sample h ousehold survey revealed that 95.8% h ouseholds depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Apart from agriculture, 28.12 % households supplement their income f rom service, and 28.12 % employed outside d istrict and 3.12 % supp lement their income fr om business too. Abo ut 25 % of households meet their needs by working as agriculture labour, among them 15.12 % are women headed households.

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22. The number of children attending local primary school was found 38. High going boys and girls ar e 54 and are more tha n the prima ry school. N one of the households own Pucca house (cement mortared) but all the households have access to electricity.

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IV. SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

23. Delineation of geographical boundary of zone of influence (ZoI). : The project area will be del ineated under three cate gory (i) high impact area: the per manent imp act from the project such as perman ent land loss and dewatered zone will be considered as high impact area. Such area will include the are a where the project infrastructures will be located such as headworks, canal alignment and canal structur es (ii) Moderate impact area: This will cover the area where land loss will be temporary during the construction period only. They will include camp sites, quarry sites; borrow areas, labour camp sites etc. (iii) lo w impact area: This will cover the adjoining are as within 200 to 500m (depending u pon the settlement pattern) from the boundary of the sub project area of the VDC that are likely to be affected.

24. The screening of the potential impacts is presented in Table 2.

Table 1: Screening of Potential Impacts SL Parameters Impact Remarks

Yes No 1 Environmental Problems due to Project Location1.1 Encroachment into Areas of Conserv ation

Significance √ There are no conserv ation a reas ( wetlands

and protected forest s) w ithin the Subproject command area

1.2 Impediments to Movement s of W ildlife, Livestock and People

√ The project bein g e xisting s ystem, obstruction for the movemen t of the peopl e and l ivestock alrea dy existed. Additional impediment will not arise du e to the project location.

1.3 Encroachment on Historical and Cultural Sites √ There are no historical, cultural, and religious sites within the Subproject command area

1.4 Water Resource Conflicts √ There are several canals emanating from the same Chhahare Khola. 1000 m downstream to the int ake site there is Jeet male Kulo and 1500 m up stream there is Dunde Kul o. Bu t the prese nt canal do es not p ose an y t hreat of water right conflict as farmers u/s and d/s have no objection for rehabilitation of present subproject

1.5 Flooding and Drainage Hazards √ Water flo w in the can al is unre gulated. Excess water is overto pped from man y places. The Subpr oject will provide esc ape at the intake and canal crossing structures.

1.6 Displacement of People and Property √ The exte nsion area will re quire 0.2 8 h a (2825 m2) additional private lan d from 5 3 plots.

2 Environmental Problems related to Project Design2.1 W atershed Erosion √ The proposed intervention is the construction

of side int ake at the existi ng diversion point. This will pr event the er osion at the int ake area. But due to seep age in the canal, some parts of the canal are pr one to soil erosi on and landslides. There is ol d sli de at C h. 3+400 that needs special treatment.

2.2 Downstream Water Quality Problems √ The Subproj ect is a reh abilitation pr oject therefore no other water sources (e. g. groundwater) will be util ized. Therefore

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SL Parameters Impact Remarks Yes No

quality of water supply will not change 2.3 Suitability of Natural Water for Irrigation √ The water sou rces have bee n used prior to

rehabilitation w orks. There w ill be no changes in water use duri ng the Subproject implementation

2.4 Over pumping of Groundwater √ Groundwater w ill not be used in this Subproject.

2.5 Adequacy of Drainage Planning √ The sub proj ect bein g e xisting s ystem the drainage is not the pr oblem. The drain ed water has be en used for the irrigati on at the down stream.

2.6 Disruption of Existin g F armer Coop erative Systems

√ There are no existin g farmer s cooper atives within the command area.

2.7 Use of C hemicals in Agriculture a nd Horticulture

√ Being veg etable pock et are a, the use of chemical i nputs is foun d to b e qu ite h igh in the command area. The subsequent SIP will need to address this problem

2.8 Selection of Pesticides √ Selection an d use of pesticid es ma y not be an issue

2.9 Land Use Conflicts √ The land us e within the command area has been established prior to the implem entation of the Su bproject. No recor ds are av ailable showing mis understanding or conflicts among different land uses.

2.10 Inadequacies in Water Distribution √ Improved efficiency o f the canal system will increase the dischar ge i n the ca nal. Inadequacy in w ater distribution will not occur.

2.11 C anal Management √ The proposed sub project intends to extend the command area in bout 30 % of the area. The canal m anagement will hav e to b e worked out for the entire sub project.

2.12 Passag eways √ The existin g passageways ar e not suf ficient for movement of people and livestocks. The Subproject will c onstruct number of crossings and passageways.

2.13 Scouri ng Hazards √ The system has been in o peration for man y years. Scouri ng pro blems has n ot bee n reported. Canal beds are stable

3 Environmental Problems Related to Construction Stage3.1 • Ex cavation √ Major e xcavation will be at the int ake site

and structure sites. Canal excavation will not be required.

3.2 • Constructi on material sites (Quarry Sites)

√ The construction work will r equire 17 9 m 3 sand and 342m3 of aggregates which can be fulfilled from the local market or local quarry. Operation of q uarry site for a small q uantity may not be feasible.

3.3 • Work camp location and operation √ The contractor will h ave to establish work camp for the construction activities

3.4 • Lab our camp √ The labour re quirement will be ab out 61 62 unskilled an d 2274 skil led in tot al. pe ople. 3ssuming ac tual construc tion working season of 9 months, the avera ge la bour requirement per da y would be 26 unski lled and 9skilled. The most of th e unskilled and some of skill ed manp ower w ill b e fulfil led from the local area. Hence labour camp will not be operated. Some of the out side labour

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SL Parameters Impact Remarks Yes No

will be reside within the work camp it self. 3.5 • S tockpiling of materials √ The construction materi al will be store d at

the convenient locations for the constructi on activities.

3.6 • Operation of construction equipment and transport

√ Operation of constr uction e quipment ma y cause air pollution, increase noise level and, and dust generation.

3.7 • Occupational health and safety √ Occupational hea lth and safet y of the workers will be the major concern.

3.8 Temporary Closure of Irrigation System √ Construction a ctivities are li kely to d isturb the supply of irrigation water.

4 Environmental Problems Resulting from Project Operations4.1 Effect on downstream water use √ Since th e sub project is an existing s ystem

diverting the w ater for irrigation. Additional water will not be diverted.

4.2 Adverse soil modifications √ The proposed subproject is t he rehabilitation of the existi ng irrigation system, adverse soi l modification will not occ ur due to th e proposed subproject implementation.

4.3 Changes in groundwater hydrology √ The sub proj ect bein g loc ated i n the hill, groundwater t able is l ocated at the gre ater depth.

4.4 Mo squito Breeding √ Water pond ing within the comman d are a may lead to incre ases i n inci dence of waterborne diseases and mosquito breeding

4.5 Hazards asso ciated with the us e of toxic chemicals

√ Use of pestic ides for the p est control cou ld be hazardous to the people and live stock

4.6 Hazards asso ciated with th e use of mineral fertilizer

√ Increased use of fertilizers likel y d ue to improved irrig ation s ystem, These ma y find its ways to gro und water an d surface water which could hazardous

5 Realization of Enhancement Potentials5.1 Employment to the local people √ Construction activities will re quire

construction labors. Loca l peo ple will g et opportunity i n emplo yment. In add ition farmers have to share the co nstruction cost which will be mostly usually in terms of labor force.

5.2 Community water supply in command area √ The command area is served b y th e t ap water supply system from the spring s ource. Canal water is not use d for domes tic purpose and will not be used as such during Subproject implementation.

5.3 Aquaculture in command area √ Farmers are not practici ng aq uaculture within th e com mand area. It is unl ikely th at this will c hange d uring Sub project implementation.

5.4 Livelihood programs for landless households √ Construction a ctivities will re quire both skill and u nskilled laborers. The Subproject will also provi de li velihood trainings to enh ance economic conditions of landless households.

5.5 Feasib ility of cooperatives √ The Project w ill impl ement institutional development activities to strengthen capacity of water us ers associati ons which c ould function as a cooperativ e to support the farmers.

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25. In many en vironmental assessments ther e are certain eff ects that, although they will occur durin g either the construct ion or operation stage, should be considered as impacts primarily of the locatio n or design of the proj ect, as they would not occur if an alternative location or design was chosen. The two activities in which the Subproject interact s physically with the en vironment a re during construction and operation, so these are the t wo activities which most signifi cant environmental impacts can occur. The Subproject will not cause any significant adverse environmental impacts becau se: (i) most of the indiv idual elements of the Subproject are relatively s mall and involve straightforward construction and op eration, so impacts will be mainly localized and not greatly significant; (ii) most of the predicted impacts are associated with the con struction process, and are produced because t hat process is invasive, involving trenching and other exca vation; and ( iii) mitigati on measures are devised for any negative environmental impacts.

26. These potential environmental impacts may be direct or indirect, a nd reversible or irreversible. The magnitude of the impacts may be high, medium or low and such impacts ma y be of site-specific, lo cal, regional or of national nature. Furthermore, some impa cts may be short-term, particularly related with the upgrading stage, medium-term and long-term duration.

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V. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Environmental Problems due to Subproject Location

27. Flooding and Drainage Hazards: The command area is already partially irrigated. The water flow in the canal is unregulate d. The excess water in the canal is overtopped from man y places. Th e proposed intervention will be regulating the flo w in the canal with the provision of escape stru ctures. These interventions will pr oduce positive impact of high magni tude, local extent and long term duration.

28. The escape structures will be provided at all the river crossing structures such as supper passages and aqueduct.

29. Displacement of People and Property: The Census of th e household those are likely to loss the land due can al extension was carried out. It shows that 46 h ouseholds will lose 0.28 ha of private land. On an average each household is likely to loss a bout 1.35% land against their total landholding. The range of land loss is 0.24 percent to 2.99 percent. The loss of land is considered low in magnitude, local extent and long term duration.

30. Affected households have agreed to give away the land free of cost for the sub project. A short resettlement plan has been prepared. Affected households will have priority in employment opportunity and training that will be conducted by the project.

Environmental Problem Related to Project Design

31. Watershed erosion: The existing condition of the intake, canal is not in good condition. The proposed sub project is to rehabilitate the se structures. The construction of the permanen t intake is going to prevent the erosion in the vici nity of the intake site. Similarly lining have been proposed at the seepage zone and land slide protection works has been proposed at Chainage 3+400. This is the positive impact of high magnitude, local extent and long term duration.

32. Use of Chemicals in Agriculture and Horticulture: The use of chemical fertilizer s is likely to in crease as th e project e ncourages irrigated agricultural pra ctices. Excess use of chemical fer tilizers in th e field may percolate i nto the groundwater or run down into surface water along with the runoff. But it (t he excess use) would be very rare in practice. Considering the rareness of the occurrence, this impact has been consid ered of low magnitude, local extent and long term duration.

33. The agricultural development plan has recommended the optimum dose of required chemical fertilizers for each of the proposed crops

34. Selection of Pesticides: Farmers of the project area are well aware of the toxicity of the pesticides. As reported, many of them have undertaken integrated p est management (IPM) training program conducted in the district. Hence selection of the pesticides will not be an issue. With this background, it could be assumed that impact associated with the pesticides will be low magnitude, local in extent and long term in duration.

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35. Canal Management: The proposed project intends to extend the reliable irrig ation facilities in more than 30 % of the a rea. The canal management will ha ve to be worked for the total command area (including extension area). The operation and mai ntenance of the system will be the r esponsibility of the farmers themsel ves. Since the extension of the co mmand area has been already agree d by the farmers, this impact has been considered of low magnitude, local extent and long term duration.

36. Water management plan and operation & maintenance plan will be developed for the operation of the system.

37. Passageway: There a re some passageways in the existing cana ls which is not adequate for movement of the people. Hence additional 7 village track crossing structures have been propo sed. This is a positive impact of hi gh magnitude, local in extent and long term duration.

Environmental Problems Related to Construction Stage:

38. The Subproject will use labour-based, environment-friendly, and particip atory approach, the important features of which are:

• Use of local people as labour, hand tools and small equipment, rather than heavy machinery for construction.

• Balancing cut and fill a nd reuse of excavated materials as constru ction materials, and thus not generating excess spoils as far as possible.

• Use of bio -engineering techniques: integrated use of vegetation, simple civil engineering structures, and proper water management systems for slope protection.

39. Significant adverse negative environment al impacts are not expected during the construction stage mainly because: (i) rehabilita tion works can be const ructed without causing major disruption to irrig ation users; (ii) most construction w ill be condu cted by small teams of farmers working on sho rt lengths at a time so most impa cts will be l ocalized an d short in duration; and (iii) the overall construction program will be relatively short for a project of this nature, and is expected to be completed in 9 months.

40. During the construction phase most of the potential negative environmental impacts are associated with the activities of the construction contractor(s). By i ncluding en vironmental management clause s in the individ ual contract documents, the potential for adverse impacts can be significantly reduced.

41. Excavations. Major excavation will be at the intake site an d at the structures locat ions which may cause increase in silt r un-off, indu ced erosion , loss of po tential cropland, loss of vegetation, and landscape degradation.

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42. Mitigation measures include: (i) confine operations to the dry season; (ii) use of silt traps; and (iii) spoils sh all be disposed of in loca tions that will n ot promote instabil ity and result in destruction of property, vegetation, irrigation and drinking water supply. Disposal near wetlands, protected ar eas, and other areas t hat will inconvenience or deprive local resid ents of their livelihood shall not be allowed. Acidic and saline spoils shall not be spread into agricultural land.

43. Work Camp Location and Operation. Potential environmental impacts inclu de (i) temporary air and noise pollution from machine operation; (ii) water pollution from s torage and use of fuel, oils, solvents, and lubricants; (iii) unhygienic conditions from laborers.

44. Mitigation measures include: (i) The Contractor shall consult with WUA and or VDC before locating project offices, sheds, and construction plants; (ii) camps shall not be located near settlements or near drinking water supply intakes; (iii) no trees shall be cut and removal of vegetation shall be minimized; (iv) water and pit latrines facilities shall be provided for laborers; (v) used oil and lubricants shall be recovered and reused or removed from site by the Contractor; (vi) at conclusion of the Subproject, all wreckage, rubbish, or temporary works that are no longer required shall be removed or given to local residents; (vii) all temporary structures, including office buildings, shelters, and latrines shall be removed; (viii) sites shall be restored to near natural or stable conditions; (ix) exposed areas shall be planted with suitable vegetation; and (x) the Subproject proponent shall report in writing that the camp has been vacated and restored to pre-project conditions before acceptance of the works.

45. Stockpiling of Materials (Storage of topsoil, fill material, gravel, aggregates, and other construction materials). Potential environmental impacts include (i) silt ation and pollution o f surface water resulting from uncontrolled r unoff from storage pile s; and (ii) disturbance to private property.

46. Mitigation measures include: (i) stockpiling shall not be permitted during the rainy season unless covered by a suitable material; (ii) stripped material shall not be stored where natural drainage will be disrupted; (iii) protection of materials from erosion prior to rainy season; and (iv) storage on private property will be allowed only if written permission is obtained from the owner or authorized lessee.

47. Operation of construction equipment and transport: Since the sub project a rea is not accessible by the road, operation of heavy constructio n equipment has not been foreseen. But some portable construction equipment will be used. Potential environmental impacts include emission of air pollutants, high concentration of airborne dust resulting in dep osition and possible damage to vegetation, crops, and water resources.

48. Mitigation measures include: (i) stockpiled sand and soil shall be slightly wetted before loading particularly in windy conditions; (ii) limit and control working practices through contract provisions such as: (a) avoid noise-generating activities at night; (b) consult with local community to inform them of the nature, duration, and likely effects of the construction work; (c) schedule work during dry season

49. Occupational health and safety: In the con struction sites, there will b e movement of local peoples. Despite precautions, possibility of accidents could not be ruled out completely as many types of equipment will be under operation. Hence, construct ion activitie s may pose

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safety concern to local peoples as well as workers. Although the health and safety will be major concern during the construction sta ge, magnitude of the i mpacts has been evalu ated as low since provision of health and safety measures are ma ndatory in any of the constructio n contracts and due to small scale of construction. The extent will be site specific and duration will be of short term.

50. Accidental insurance will be covered for all con struction workers and staff. An amount of Rs 30,000.00 has been allocated for the buying the accident insurance policy of the workers. This cost sh all be covered from the environmental management cost. In order to minimize the unwanted accidents and possible effects of dust and gaseous emission to construction workers, the project will ensure adequate safety meas ures such a s provision of helmets, masks, ear plugs, road signs, warning signals etc. Additional Rs 30,000.00 has been provided for supplying the safety gears to the workers.

51. Temporary closure of irrigation system. The construction activity in the canal system is likely to disturb the supply of the irrigation water.

52. Mitigation Measures: The construction activities will be planned in consultation with the WUA members. The headworks construction will be carried out during the dry season and the alternative measures will be made to keep the canal in running conditions if the construction activities will be carried out during the canal operation time. Flexible hosing and/or diversion canals will be used to supply water to affected users. Cost of alternative arrangement for supplying the water will be part of the civil construction cost. This provision will be made in the detailed design.

Environmental Problems Resulting from Subproject Operations

53. Mosquito Breeding. In an irrigation project, the water is flo oded in the field especially during the paddy season, which could be the breeding ground for the mosquito, a carrier o f diseases. But the proposed subp roject is the rehabilitatio n of the exi sting irrigati on system, which is alr eady in operation. The proposed subproject is not going to have any additional effect on the environment. Hence the impact is considered of low magnitude, local in extent and long term in duration.

54. Hazards associated with the Use of Toxic Chemicals. Pesticides are toxic chemicals that would be used in th e agricultural crops whenever crops are infeste d by the insects. From the focused group discussion with the farmers, they see med to be aware of the t oxicity of th e pesticides. As reported the farmers bury the pesticide s bottles after use . They are not reused for any purpose. A nu mber of farmers r eported having u ndergone th e IPM (integrated pest management) training in which the farmers are trained in pe st management without the use of pesticides. With this ba ckground, it could be a ssumed that impacts a ssociated with pesticides (toxic chemicals) will be low magnitude, local in extent and long term in duration.

55. Hazards associated with the Use of Mineral Fertilizer. The farmers have been using chemical fertilizers in the crops. Bu t the quantity of usage i s less than the recommended dose for the crops. The project intends to carry out training in the crops cultivation to increase the crops yield. Hence th e use of ch emical fertilizers is goin g to be increased with the project

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implementation. But given the proper training programs, the applicatio n dose will be optimum for the crops and it would not create any hazard as such. Hence the impact is considered of low magnitude, local in extent and long term in duration.

Realization of Enhancement Potentials

56. Employment Opportunity to the Local People. The construction o f the subproject would require both skilled (2274 mandays) and un skilled labour ( 6162 mandays). Semi skilled and unskilled labours are available in the subproject area as well as its vicinity. The subproject would provide employment opportunity to the loca l people. In addition, the farmers will have to make their contribution, which could be in kin d and cash . The farmers preferred to make contribution by providing labour.

57. Livelihood Programs for Landless Households. There are some landless households who work as the tenant s for other households who own the land. The proposed project intends to enhance the econo mic conditio n of these households by impleme nting differe nt livelihood programs.

58. Feasibility of Cooperatives. The existing irr igation system is bein g operated and maintained by the water users asso ciation. They have defined rules and regulations, which are followed by all the members. The rules and regulations ar e socially binding. The proposed CMIASP intends to implement a nu mber of inst itutional development activities in str engthening capacities o f the WUAs in agricultu ral production, and poverty alleviation of the pr oject area. The WUA will have the key role to play in these activities. For the pro ject implementation, a coordination committee is planned to be formed. The WUA could also function as the cooperatives to support the farmers in terms of making timely availability of agricultural inputs, marketing of the agricultural production, facilitating the micro credits.

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VI. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

59. The proposed intake is located at t he traditional diversion point of the existing system. On the consultation wit h the WUA members, the intake has been proposed at the tradition al diversion point in Keshte Khola. Hence the proposed intake site is justifiable.

60. There were options of the type of intake and lining of the canal. De pending on the topographic condition of the intake site a double orifice int ake has been proposed. There wa s number of options for the canal lining namely: soil cement lining, plastic sheet lining , geotextile lining and cement concrete lining. The farmers preferred to have cement concrete lining.

61. Since the irrigation system is the tr aditional system, canals already e xist and the re are no alternative alignments for them.

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VII. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

62. Institutional requirements. Nepal has an esta blished lega l and policy framework for environmental safeguarding in relation to projects . Environmental protection is overseen by th e Ministry of Environmen t of Science and Techn ology (MoEST). It holds overall responsibility for environmental policy. The principal legislatio n for enviro nmental safeguarding is the 1997 Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and its rules 1997, amended in 1999 and amendmen t 2008. Implementation of the EPA is the responsibility of the MoEST and the sectoral ministries. For those pr ojects having insignificant environmental impact s, the re sponsibility of u ndertaking and approving IEEs and implementing the subsequent environmental monitoring plan (EMP) are delegated t o the conce rned sector al ministries. The DOI is under the MOW R. Both DOI an d MOWR ha ve environmental sectio ns that liaise with each other. The Environ mental Section within DOI was established in 1988 and is located within the Surface Water Irrigation Division (SWID).

63. The revised Schedule 1 of Sect ion 2 of t he EPR stipulates the environme ntal assessment requirements for irrigation sche mes. It stipulates tha t an in itial e nvironmental examination (IEEs) is required for the rehabilitation of irr igation sch emes which has new headworks or change in the main canal alignment. Since the proposed sub project is a simple rehabilitation of the existing FMIS, a formal IEE in accord ance with EPR amend ment 2008 will not be required.

64. Institutional arrangements and responsibilities. At the DOI headq uarters level, a central project management office (CPMO) ha s been set up with class-I engineer as full time project director, and will be responsible for overall environmental management, under technical support and guidance from En vironmental Se ction in SWID. At the regional level, regiona l project sup port unit (RPSU) has been established with director of the Regional Irrigation Directorate as project manager of each re gion and will be responsible fo r day-to-day implementation of the Project. RPSU will have an assign ed staff to manage environmental activities with the assist ance of the consultant s. At the field level, subproject management unit (SMU) has been established in ea ch division headed by the chief of t he irrigation development division/ subdivision (IDD/IDSD), which will u ndertake field operations including environmental planning and monitoring under supervision by RPSU. Specific institutional responsibilities during the subproject implementation cycle are stipulated as below.

Table 3: Institutional Responsibilities for Environmental Management Subproject Stage Responsible Organization Responsibilities

Overall ISPM Consultants Support capacity development of environmental planning, monitoring, and management

EB is SWID Guidance for environmental planning, monitoring, and mitigation

MEQCB in PDMED Management of monitoring and evaluation data Screening RPSU/SMU Screen the project results in light of

environmental and other criteris Planning RPSU/SMU/firms 1 Prepare IEE (included in SIP), minimize

avoidable losses, incorporate mitigation measures, and prepare EMP

CPMO-EB in SWD Endorse IEE and SIPSubproject Appraisal Subcommittee Approve IEE and SIP Ministry of Water Resources Approve IEE (which fall under schedule 1,

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Subproject Stage Responsible Organization Responsibilities section 2 of EPR 1997, amendment, 2008)

WUA formation RPSU/SMU/NGOs/COs Strengthen WUA including monitoring capacities Detailed Design RPSU/SMU/firms Assist in preparing RP, incorporate EMP into

engineering design and specifications Construction Contractor Implement required environmental measures

RPSU/SMU/firms Supervise contractor implementation of environmental measures

Agriculture and social support

RPSU/SMU/firms/NGOs Implement specific environmental mitigation measures incorporated in the agriculture and social development plan.

Operational DOI provide budget to undertake annual monitoring and audit

RPSU/SMU/NGOs (during Project) Carry-out annual performance audit of completed schemes. Support additional mitigation measures as necessary.

RID/IDD/IDSD/DDC/DADO (after Project)

Same as above

WUAs Monitor agriculture practice and impacts and report them to SMU.

Notes: DB=Design Branch; EB=Environmental Branch; MEQCB=Monitoring, Evaluation, and Quality Control Branch; PDMED=Planning, Design, Monitoring and Evaluation Division; SWD=Surface Water Division

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VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

65. The Enviro nmental Ma nagement Plan (EMP) is prepared to guide implementati on of mitigation measures and monitoring require ments. It includes institution and their roles, environmental management activities, environm ental management organizational stru cture and budget for mitigation measures.

66. Essentially, it will be put into operation through data collection at subproject level by SMU with the engage ment of private firms as nece ssary and/or WUA, moni tored and supervised by RPSU through regular management review and f ield confir mation, and processing and analysis by Monitoring and Evaluation Branch of DOI in coordination with DOA. Environmental data will be shared with En vironment Di vision. Monitoring costs have been incorporated into the de sign of the PPME system for the project. The findings of th e monitoring activities will be incorporated in t he regular PPME reports prepare d by CPMO with the assistance of the consultants engaged under institu tional stren gthening and project management, and submitted to ADB.

67. Framework for implementing environmental management plan is shown by Table 4.

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Table 4: Environmental Management Plan

Sl

Impact Mitigation Measures Location Method Cost Responsible agencies for Implementation

Monitoring parameters

Responsible Agency for Monitoring

1 Environmental Problem due project location

Displ acement of People and Property

Prepare r esettlement pl an for the affected household.

Design Office

MOU agreement

No cost SMU :

resettlement plan

ISPMC

Affected households will have priority in emplo yment opportunity a nd traini ng that will be co nducted by th e project.

Sub project area

No cost Contractor

employment and tra ining to affected

SMU

Flooding and drainage hazards

Provide escape structures Design Office

Include in det. design

No cost Design team

provision of escape structures in the design

ISPMC

2 Environmental Problem related to project design Watershed erosion Provide reg ulating structur e

at intake Design Office


No cost Design team

provision of regulating structure

ISPMC

Canal management Prepare su bproject specific water ma nagement p lan an d O & M Plan.

Design Office

included i n det. design

No cost Design team

Prepare site specific water management plan

ISPMC

Passageway Provide passageway structures

Design Office


No cost Design team

provide passage as agreed w ith the farmers

ISPMC

Hazar ds associated with the use of toxic chemicals

Avoid usi ng pesticide to the extent possi ble. Use IPM technique to control pest

Design Office

Include in Agriculture Development Plan.

No cost Design team

Include IPM training package in Agriculture Development Plan (ADP.)

ISPMC

3 Environmental Problem related to construction stage Excavation (i)confine op erations in the

dry s eason; ( ii) use of silt traps; (iii) spoils s hall b e

Within the sub-project

designate the spoil disposal area

Part of civil construction cost

Imp: Contractor Mon: SMU/WUA

spoil disposal sites

SMU/WUA

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Sl




disposed of at the des ignated locations

Quarry sites Work Camp Location

and Operation: (i) temporary ai r and noise poll ution from machine operation; (ii) water poll ution from storage a nd use of fuel, oils, solvent s, and lu bricants; (iii) unhygienic co nditions from laborers; (iv) disturbance to wildlife

(i) work camp w ill be located away from t he settlem ent area. (ii) no trees shal l be cut and r emoval of veget ation shall b e mini mized (iii) use d oil an d lubric ants shall be recovered a nd reuse d or removed from site. (iv) work camp will n ot be l ocated in wildlife h abitats, restriction and co ntrol of wildlife harassment, i llegal hunting and poaching



Contractor

Location of the w ork camp

SMU/WUA

(v) w ill make own arrangements for water and sanitation

Work camp

Includ ed in environmental cost (Budget: Rs 50,000.00)

Imp: Contractor

disposal a nd sanitary facilities in the w ork camp

SMU/WUA

(vi) Site will be placed back in the original s ite condition and shall report in w riting that site has be en re stored to pre -project cond itions b efore acceptance of the works.


Includ ed in environmental cost (Budg et : Rs, 50,000.00)

Imp: Contractor

Condition of the w ork camp site before the issue of completion certificate

SMU

Stockpiling of Materials : (i) siltation and pol lution of surface w ater resulting from uncontrolled runof f from storage piles; and (i i) disturbance to private property.

(i) stockpil ing will n ot be permitted d uring the rai ny season unless covered by a suitable materi al; (ii) stripped material will not be store d where natural drainage will be disrupted; (iii) protection of materials from erosion prior to rainy season; and (iv) storage on priv ate pr operty will be

Construction sites

ensure go od construction practice


Imp: Contractor

Inspection of the construction material stocking site.

SMU/WUA

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Sl




allowed on ly with the written permission from the owner.

Operation of construction equipment and transport : emission of air pol lutants, high concentration of airborne dust resulting and e xcessive noise resulting an noyance and pote ntial hazard to human populations

(i) S tockpiled sand a nd soi l shall be slightly wetted before loading p articularly in windy conditions; (ii) vehicles transporting s and and soi l shall b e co vered with a tarpaulin; and (iii) limit and control w orking practices through contract provisions.

Construction site

ensure go od construction practice


Imp: Contractor

SMU/WUA

Occup ational health and safety

(i) Buy accident insurance t o all workers. (ii) provide safety gears suc h helmet s, boot s, ear p lug, mo uth mask to the worker and labours

Construction site

Provide safety gears

Included i n environmental cost (Budg et Rs. 60,000.00)

Imp: Contractor

insurance policy

Mon: SMU/WUA

Temporary cl osure of irrigation system

Plan th e i ntake constructi on during dry season

Intake site No cost Imp: Contractor

Construction plan

Mon: SMU/WUA

Make alternative arrangement to keep the canal running

Canals Part of civil construction cost

Imp: Contractor

Enquiry on canal closure

Mon: SMU/WUA

Environmental Problems Resulting from Project Operations Hazar ds associated

with the use of toxic chemicals

Avoid usi ng pesticide to the extent possi ble. Use IPM technique to control pest

Command area

Pest control by IPM

No cost Imp: Farmers

Use of pesticide in the crops

Mon: DADO

Hazar ds associated with the use of mineral fertilizer

Use recomme nded dose of inorganic fertilizers

Command area

Application of fertilizers

No cost Imp: Farmers

Use of chemical fertilizer in the crops

Mon: DADO

Realization of Enhancement Potentials Employment to the

local people Provide empl oyment to local people in priority

Within Sub project area

Hire lo cal labour to the extent possible

No cost Imp: Contractor

Payroll of contractor

Mon: WUA

Livelihood programs Provid e Livelihood W ithin sub T raining Include in Imp: SMU Training on Mon: WUA

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Sl




for land less households

enhancement Program (LEP) training to the t argeted people

project area

LEP cost LEP

Feasib ility of cooperatives

Provide insti tutional development training

Within sub project area

Training Includ e in Institutional development plan cost.

Imp: SMU

Training on Institutional development training

Mon: WUA

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IX. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE

68. This IEE re port has be en in close consultation with WUA members a nd lead far mers who participated in the walk through survey. The walk through survey was carried out from 5th to 6th Februar y 2009. The existing situation of t he headworks and can al was noted by GPs tracking. A long list of the required intervention was noted. The required inter vention was prioritized in consultation with the participating f armer. On 6th February 2009 a formal meeting was held with the WUA members and agreed with them on the proposed intervention that could be under taken by the project. All the highly prioritized interventions were included whereas the medium and low priority interventions were excluded.

69. A list of the WUA members is presented here below:

1. Mr. Keshav Sapkota Chairman 2. Mr. Keshav Bahadur Kumar Vice-chairman 3. Mr. Ram Sharan Parajuli Secretary 4. Mr. Kedar Dhital Treasurer 5. Mr. Bed Prasad Bajgai Member 6. Mr. Krishna Prasad Parajuli Member 7. Mr. Govinda Prasad Chaulagai Member 8. Mr. Chet Nath Timalsina Member 9. Mrs. Bhawani Dhungana Member 10. Mrs. Yashodha Timalsina Member 11. Mrs. Bijaya Adhikari Member

70. The participants from WUA during the Walkth rough Survey were Mr. Keshab Sapkota and Mr. Bed Prasad Bajgai.

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X. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

71. The princip al findings are that the Subproj ect provides for inherently environme ntally friendly irrigation interventions and contributes to significantly improved living conditions through (i) communi ty e mphasis on subproject desig n and implementation, (ii) extensive technical support in e liciting sustainable practices in irri gated agriculture and (iii) a ddressing institutional needs for sustained and equitable O&M.

72. The identifi ed adverse environme ntal impacts will be addressed through pr oper planning, design, implementation, and O&M while incorpor ating identified mitigation measures. The screen ing process carried out in the IE E has not identified a ny significa nt negative environmental impacts like ly to be caused by the P roject. Environmental issues were considered throughout development of the Project and nece ssary changes were ma de to the designs to r educe or a void impacts. Potentia l negative impacts associated with constru ction activities can be mitigated by the application of standard health, saf ety, and environmental clauses in contract do cuments, close supervision, and close attention to transparency in tendering, and to quality control and supervision on site. Mitigation measures for oth er impacts are provided in detail in the IEE.

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XI. CONCLUSION

73. The project is not expected to give ri se to any significant negative environmental impacts, and therefore does not require an ADB Environmental Impact Assessment.

74. The proposed subproject is rehabilitation of existing irrigation system, which is already in operation. Hence, the e nvironmental impact dur ing the oper ation phase will not be very much different than the existing situation. Rather the existing system lacks basic structures like intake, cross drains, the proposed intervention will be providing basic civil engineering structures for the operation of the canal. From the proposed intervention some adverse impacts of low magnitude have been identified during the construction stage but they are of short-term duration and could be easily mitigated. Th e proposed intervention will provide round ye ar irrigation to the entir e command a rea Taking into consider ation the adverse impac t of low magnitude and extensive positive impacts, this subproject is recomme nded for imp lementation on the en vironmental perspectives. Mitigatio n of minor adverse environmental impacts ca n be carrie d out as an integral part of the Subproject, during both the detailed d esign and implementati on stages. Appropriate measures will be included in the tender documents for the civil works.

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Annex 1: Details of Proposed Intervention in the Subproject

Canal Systems (Existing )

Item No

Chainage & WayPoints

Structure Condition Severity of the Problems on System Operation

Solution (Priority: H, M, or L)

Sketch

Fro m To 1 0+ 000

Proposed HW No structure Every time repair after flood Head work should be

constructed (H) Given

2 0+ 022

Ex isting Intake

Temporary Every time repair after flood Demolish

3 0+ 032

0+075 River Protection Start (Gabion Work)

River damages canal Canal may collapse Gabion Wall (M)

4 0+ 129

Outlet, Branch L1 Start

No S tructure, uncontrolled

No control led outlet causi ng bank erosions

Outlet (H)

5 0+ 224

0+231

Dry W all S tart (existing)

Unstable grou nd condition

Canal may collapse Dry wall (L)

6 0+ 249

0+473 Lini ng

Leakage Leakage from canal Section Canal Lining (H)

7 0+ 272

0+280

Aqueduct (8m)

Depressed groun d condition

Affects the canal flow Aqueduct (H)

8 0+ 339

Protection Work (Proposed)


Canal may collapse Protection works

9 0+ 354

0+359 Super Passage (5m)

Drain Crossing Canal Damage by drain water Supper Passage (H)

10 0+ 453

0+469

Dry R etaining W all (Existing)


Canal may collapse Dry wall (L)

11 0+ 473

F oot Bridge

Track Crossing Damage by crossings Foot Bridge (H)

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Item No




Sketch

Fro m To 12 0+ 545

Outlet



Outlet (H)

13 0+ 666

Branch Canal Start

Diversion for command area

Fulfill d emand of Comma nd area

Branch Canal

14 0+ 667



15 0+ 672

0+798

Lining


16 0+ 728

F oot Bridge


17 0+ 972

0+979

Super Passage (7m)


18 0+ 993

0+996

Super Passage (3m)


19 1+ 077



20 1+ 078

Branch Canal Start



Branch Canal

21 1+ 080

F oot Bridge


22 1+ 155

1+158

Super Passage (3m)


23 1+ 187

1+202

Retaining w all (Proposed), Lining


Canal collapses Retaining wall and Lini ng (H)

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Item No




Sketch

Fro m To 24 1+ 308

1+345

Lining Leakage Leakage from canal Section Canal Lining (H)

25 1+ 308

1+320

Retaining W all (existing)


Canal collapses Retaining wall (L)

26 1+ 349

Outlet



Outlet (H)

27 1+ 437

1+539

Lining


28 1+ 471



29 1+ 556

1+564 Aqueduct (8m)



30 1+ 725

1+733 Aqueduct (8m)



31 1+ 801

1+801

Lining


32 1+ 874

Outlet



Outlet (H)

33 1+ 927

1+932

Covered Canal

Building ver y near to canal

Solid waste d isposal into the canal and ac cess across the canal.

Resettlement area (Covered canal , 5 m) (M)

34 2+ 078

2+093

Lining


35 2+ 174



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Item No




Sketch

Fro m To 36 2+ 251



37 2+ 340



38 2+ 382

Outlet



Outlet (H)

39 2+ 481

2+484 Super Passa ge (3m), Lining u/s & d/s

Drain Crossing Canal Damage by drain water Supper Passage (H) and U/S & D/S Lining

40 2+ 565

Outlet



Outlet (H)

41 2+ 614

Outlet



Outlet (H)

42 2+ 695



43 2+ 766

Outlet



Outlet (H)

44 2+ 841

Outlet



Outlet (H)

45 3+ 089

F oot Bridge

Track crossing Damage by crossings Foot Bridge (H)

46 3+ 168

Outlet



Outlet (H)

47 3+ 239

Foot Bridg e, Branc h Canal Start L3

Track crossing Damage by crossings Foot Bridge (H) and Branch canal

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Item No




Sketch

Fro m To 48 3+ 296

Outlet



Outlet (H)

49 3+ 442

3+450 Aque duct (8m),



50 3+ 442

Outlet



Outlet (H)

51 3+ 512

Outlet



Outlet (H)

52 3+ 564

3+569 Aque duct (5m)



53 3+ 564

3+633

Slide Area

Land Slide Bank collapses Dry Wall RCC C anal L ining (2 0m) (H)

54 3+ 675

Branch Canal



Branch

55 3+ 729

Hi-tention tower

- 30 -

Item No




Sketch

Fro m To 56 3+ 743

Outlet



Outlet (H)

57 3+ 810



58 3+ 836

3+898

Lining


59 3+ 890

Outlet



Outlet (H)

60 4+ 019

T ail Point

No structure Large amount of water waste Tail Structure

Documents

Community-Managed Irrigated Agricultural Sector Project ... · 1. The Community-Managed Irrigated Agricultural Sector Project is designed to improve the agricultural productivity